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May 1, 2018 - June 4, 2018

IvyThe Best of Adam Sharp by Graeme SimsionNarrator Name: David Barker

Rating the Audio Performance

5

While I usually don't opt for audiobooks, I was interested in the theme of the story. Once I started listening I became hooked by the intensity of Barker's voice. Soon I got hooked on the story.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

4

An emotionally and surprisingly funny story about love between Adam and Angelina. Loved it!

KarenThe Great Alone by Kristin HannahNarrator Name: Julia Whelan

Rating the Audio Performance

5

Julia Whelan does a good job voicing all the different characters. Her reading is very pleasant to listen to. The tempo of her reading draws the listeners into the story and keeps them listening to see what happens next.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

5

Leni Allbright's family is constantly moving. Her mother, Cora, is always trying to find herself, and her father, Ernt, is a Vietnam vet and POW who has been forever scarred mentally and physically by his captivity and torture. He has trouble keeping a job and fails at his attempts to start a profitable business. When Ernt learns he has inherited land in Alaska, the family anticipates a new life. It is a different life, and the neighbors soon arrive to help them prepare for winter. Leni does well in school and makes friends, but Ernt grows more paranoid. He fears the government and progress, and doesn't get along with some of the neighbors. Ernt lashes out at Cora violently, and when he turns on Leni, Cora fights back.

George Hearn does a fine job narrating the audiobook. He has the perfect pace and tone for this quiet novel. He really brings these characters to life; I particularly like how he voices the McPheron brothers.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

5

Continuing the story of the residents of fictional Holt, Colorado, the novel features some of the same characters that readers came to love in PLAINSONG. Life can be hard in Holt. Accidents cause injury and death. Alcohol fuels violent tendencies and foolish behavior. Then again, some people rise to the occasion and help one another, moving forward with courage and grace. I came late to the party when it comes to reading Haruf. But better late than never.

I cannot imagine reading or listening to this book without hearing it in Scottish brogue. The emotions that were part of the story were excellently performed by the readers. I loved this story and the readers really brought it to life expertly.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

5

Epistolary novels are one of my favorite genres. And this novel crosses the lives of the main characters from pre-WWI to WWII, taking place mostly in Scotland. This has been one of my favorites this year.

RickiWishtree by Katherine ApplegateNarrator Name: Nancy Linari

Rating the Audio Performance

5

Linari was the perfect voice for Red and kept the story moving.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

4

This short MG fantasy packs a punch with a tale about prejudice, friendship, conservation, tradition, and community.

LoryLincoln in the Bardo by George SaundersNarrator Name: Nick Offerman, David Sedaris, Carrie Brownstein, George Saunders, Miranda July, and Lena Dunham

Rating the Audio Performance

5

Very helpful in understanding all of the characters and progression of the story.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

4

What a strange read? George Saunders. you're an odd one aren't you? I kept thinking, as I listened to this audiobook, "How did he even come up with this?" This book is very inventive and extremely unique in its approach to covering a portion of Abe Lincoln's work and life, specifically his second son's death. The primary setting is actually a graveyard. Saunders introduces us to over 15 former people from all walks of life who have tarried in this area, sharing their perspective on the intrusion of the Lincoln boy, the history of their individual experiences, and their continued struggle with refusing to acknowledge their deaths. I have never read a book quite like this one.

Katie had the perfect voice for this story. She never lost my interest like has happened with other audiobooks.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

5

It takes a lot to make me laugh out loud when reading a story, but this one had me constantly giggling. Such a great love story peppered with the perfect amount of wit to keep you on your toes.

Audrey13 Bullets by David WellingtonNarrator Name: Bernadette Dunne

Rating the Audio Performance

4

The reader did a good job of acting without being a distraction to the story.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

5

This is a modern vampire story taking place in America in the 80s. A federal agent tracking a vampire almost gets killed but manages to live and tracking vampires down becomes his passion. He particularly wants one being kept alive, protected and studied in an asylum. Harmless and guarded, she nevertheless manages to increase vampire numbers. The agent is assigned an assistant who must toughen up because the vampires are growing and they are targeting her. His assistant is a gay woman, but there is no explicit scenes and it is tastefully done. This is first in a series.

The performance brought you into the novel; it gave you laughter and tears.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

5

This is a great historical novel with many historical characters. The authors brought the historical figures to life.

WendyStill Me by Jojo MoyesNarrator Name: Anna Acton

Rating the Audio Performance

5

The narrator did a great job with the different characters voices. Sometimes when the story has a British character the narrator's voice can be a little harsh and grating. This narrator has a nice tone to her voice.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

4

A light, funny story. Just the perfect story to listen to after a day of work. You can imagine this being made into a movie.

WendyDaddy's Girl by Lisa ScottolineNarrator Name: Barbara Rosenblat

Rating the Audio Performance

3

Not sure where to begin. The main character was a law professor and the narrator made her sound like a wimpy non-intelligent woman. Her reading was not believable for this character. Her other voices were very jarring. I had to keep adjusting the sound because her male voices were always in a yelling tone, while the others were soft. I almost gave up on the story because of the narrator.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

3

Not one of her best books. The plot seemed a little far-fetched. Her characters were not very likable.

SandiHillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by J. D. VanceNarrator Name: J. D. Vance

Rating the Audio Performance

3

Good voice. Obviously, as the author, he knew the material and when to emphasize and when to pull back. An easy voice to listen to.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

3

This is the memoir of an attorney. Listening you would not view this man as an attorney, or anyone currently from a middle income family. Vance resorts back to his - in his words - "hillbilly upbringing". Born in a poor dysfunctional family, it was due to the stability of his grandmother, a very brash and unconventional woman, that Vance was stable enough to complete high school, apply to colleges and become the man he is today. This memoir tells of the social, economic and cultural decline of the middle income white population. Living with alcoholism, drugs, domestic violence and poverty, this is one man's story of survival. The story of how he broke free, the people who helped him along the way, and the residual effects of that culture.

Hamilton narrates the audiobook herself, and she does a very fine job.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

4

Subtitle: The Inadvertent Education of a Reluctant Chef. I’ll say this for Hamilton – she can definitely write. I was fascinated by the stories of her upbringing. I laughed, cheered and gasped at the anecdotes of her years working for the big catering companies, the summer camp and her own restaurant. But she kind of lost me when she got to her marriage. What really shines in this memoir is her relationship with food. I relished in the descriptions of both simple and elegantly complicated meals.

StaceyThe Wife Between Us by Greer HendricksNarrator Name: Julia Whelan

Rating the Audio Performance

5

This was a great audiobook. I found myself not being able to stop listening I highly recommend it.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

5

I love a good mystery and this is definitely one of them. Twists and turns that I didn't see coming.

This was a very clear, engaging delivery which kept me interested in the story as I drove.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

5

The story set in Russia was a compelling tale with a variety of wonderful characters. It is historical fiction set around activity in a luxurious hotel and restaurant.

DianeThe Book of Guys by Garrison KeillorNarrator Name: Garrison Keillor

Rating the Audio Performance

5

He is masterful!

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

4

I have to admit the Me Too accusations affected my enjoyment of this book, but nonetheless it was interesting, insightful and humorous.

BarbaraRiver of Doubt by Candice MillardNarrator Name: Paul Michael

Rating the Audio Performance

4

Mr. Michael's voice is a pleasure to listen to. I have been spending a lot of time on the road recently and he has been a great companion.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

4

Wow! That is about all I can say. This book was recommended to me in the written form, but because of my recent traveling I decided to download it and listen to it instead. What a fascinating slice of history about President Roosevelt post-White House.

KristenA Higher Loyalty by James ComeyNarrator Name: James Comey

Rating the Audio Performance

5

I think listening to the author read his own work added to the whole experience. He has a great narration voice!

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

4

I learned a good amount and feel more informed after listening to this book.

CindyLittle Fires Everywhere by Celeste NgNarrator Name: Jennifer Lim

Rating the Audio Performance

5

Excellent narration. Easy listening.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

5

Great character development about two families whose lives intersect. The teenagers are well characterized as well as the adults. Classic cases of miscommunication cause issues. Slow reveal technique keeps reader guessing about outcome and conflict causes. A great story.

HannahThe Silkworm by Robert GalbraithNarrator Name: Robert Glenister

Rating the Audio Performance

5

Voice acting is a form of art, and Robert Glenister did a fantastic job with this book. I sometimes struggle with listening to people speak with an accent different to my own (I think my brain feels like it is working extra hard to absorb everything), but I never found myself drifting or having to rewind while listening to this audiobook. He is consistent while reading dialogue to the point where I could fast forward by 10 minutes to a random point in the book and know immediately if he was using "Strike's voice" or "Robin's voice" or someone else.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

4

As far as the story itself goes, I did enjoy THE CUCKOO'S CALLING more than I did THE SILKWORM. I was just as engrossed in THE SILKWORM, but in a different sort of way. While listening to THE CUCKOO'S CALLING, I couldn't wait to learn whodunnit, and there were times I'd be listening to the book in the car and realize I was holding my breath in anticipation. With THE SILKWORM I found that I was more interested in the relationship between Robin and Strike, and learning more about these two characters, than I was with the story itself. Overall, it was a great read. One disclaimer: I did guess early on whodunnit, but was convinced a chapter or two later that I was wrong -- I wasn't.

Outstanding. Each note to self is read by the person who wrote it. Gayle King introduces each story with a brief comment to introduce the person.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

5

Excellent. Like mini memoirs and visibility into what is important in making each person who he or she is.

GerryIn the Distance by Hernan DiazNarrator Name: Hernan Berkrot

Rating the Audio Performance

5

Berkrot is a very engaging narrator, perfect for this novel.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

4

Diaz's IN THE DISTANCE is a very readable story of a gentle man struggling to survive and find his home. Emigrating from Sweden to America, Håkan beomes separated from his brother and ends up on the Pacific coast, rather than in New York as anticipated. His life is devoted to trying to make his way to NY to find his brother. Along the way, he meets up with a variety of characters, some helpful and others threatening, and becomes something of a legend himself.

Beautifully read by mother and son. I felt that I was privy to a lovely conversation between the two of them.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

4

Very enjoyable conversation between Anderson Cooper and his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt. I knew virtually nothing about either of them prior to listening to this book, which was read by the two authors. Themes of love, family, aging, regrets, all explored thoughtfully and lovingly in a series of letters between mother and son. "I do now know the world, the good and the bad, and I would rather greet it with open arms. It is worth the hurt, the sting of loss or betrayal, yes, worth it all. Hope is essential. The alternative is to stop living. It never occurs to me that the rainbow will not come back...I know that the rainbow comes and goes, and really, isn't that enough?" ~ Gloria at age 91

GerryBorn a Crime by Trevor NoahNarrator Name: Trevor Noah

Rating the Audio Performance

5

Love when a book is read by its author!

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

4

Noah has a very engaging writing style, and presented in this memoir a fascinating look at his own chidhood and the larger South African society in the years after apartheid officially ended.

3-1/2 stars for a touching story of two women in Germany and Vichy, France, each holding their own secrets close as they travel and work together in a circus during World War II. I wanted to love this novel, but the writing style and too-pat plotting put me off a bit.Still, it's interesting to note that the story is based on real events that occurred at that time, and to gain yet another perspective on the horrors of that war, and all wars.

AmyThe Doll House by Fiona DavisNarrator Name: Tavia Gilbert

Rating the Audio Performance

4

Very enjoyable!

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

4

A good read told from changing time periods. A little bit of romance, mystery, and history of the Barbizon Hotel.

This performer manages to not steal the show with a performance but keep each character's personality while making the story stand out.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

5

Ruby has lived at Thurmond for the last 6 years, a rehabilitation camp for people like her. It's bleak, depressing and controlling. There's an epidemic of kids and teens dying. On the opposite side, there are kids and teens with abilities that are deemed dangerous. Ruby falls in the latter category, only her abilities are even more threatening compared to her peers, and if it was known, she would disappear. When Ruby has a chance to escape and meets some other escapees, she discovers a world she has been out of touch with and connects, against her better judgement, with other runaways. They are trying to reach safety - a place, a family member, something they each believe will make life better. Meanwhile, they are hunted by the government.

Tessa B CDreams of Joy by Lisa SeeNarrator Name: Janet Song

Rating the Audio Performance

4

Janet Song does a fine job narrating the audiobook. She has great pacing and a style of reading that really gives a sense of the culture. I’ve listened to other books set in China, narrated by Song, and she’s equally wonderful reading them all.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

3

This is the sequel to SHANGHAI GIRLS, but this book really focuses on China during the cultural revolution. The novel gives the reader an horrific look at the devastating results of Mao’s Great Leap Forward. I was already familiar with this episode in China’s recent history, but watching it unfold through these characters made is somehow “personal” and gave it much more impact. My main problem with the book was the central character: Joy. She was so immature and naïve…I just wanted to throttle her.

GeriThe Disappeared by C. J. BoxNarrator Name: David Chandler

Rating the Audio Performance

5

David Chandler does the book justice. I enjoyed listening to this book with the suspense in waiting to see the full picture in the multiple mysteries going on.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

5

In the end will Joe Pickett get the best of his evil mother-in-law, will he find the missing Brit and who the heck are they burning at the sawmill? And last but not least will the busy body near the mill survive to tell her story?

OriSwing Time by Zadie SmithNarrator Name: Pippa Bennett-Warner

Rating the Audio Performance

2

I find it very frustrating when the narrator affects different voices for different characters.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

4

Enjoyable read - although I didn't particularly like the protagonist.

KimikoOpen and Shut by David RosenfeltNarrator Name: Grover Gardner

Rating the Audio Performance

3

I didn't like this voice at all. Made me think the character of Andy Carpenter was a wimpy man.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

4

I liked the storyline and felt Andy Carpenter has a sharp and sound legal mind but no common sense whatsoever. He is warned off the case (retrial of a capital murder) by someone breaking into his home, his office, leaving threatening messages, beating him up and even shooting his wife, yet he does NOTHING to ensure the safety of those around him.

Loved the changes in the voice inflections for the various characters.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

4

Fun story about an older lady and her life in NYC, incorporating and reliving her life from 1920s to 1980s as she walks over 10 miles on New Years Eve. A spunky woman who has an incredible life and journey, making strangers into acquaintances into friends.

AlisonThe Lost for Words Bookshop by Stephanie ButlandNarrator Name: Imogen Church

Rating the Audio Performance

3

The storyteller was lovely and the somewhat overexaggerated Yorkshire accent lent itself to the prose and poetry in Butland's writing. Wanted to give 3.5 stars rather than 3.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

4

A book about love, friendship and ultimately forgiveness and written in such beautiful manner, too. Respect for the author's ability to use prose and poetry so masterfully but remain focused on the storytelling, too.

There were a variety of voice actors that did the narration for the chapters tied to their characters. The variety helped to keep the characters straight, but there are a lot of them in this book, and it can get a bit confusing as you listen. I found the narration was excellent, with a combination of American voices and Jamaican voices, many in heavy patois. If you have difficulty dealing with a variety of accents and slang, you will have difficulty at times here. I found it was worth the trouble.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

4

Strangely, this reminded me of how READY PLAYER ONE put me in a nostalgic mood. Unlike that book’s trip to the Eighties, this had many heavy references to pop culture – American pop culture – of the Seventies. Throughout the book you are in the character’s heads, hearing their thoughts. And what did they think about? Clint Eastwood movies, “The Dukes of Hazzard”, and lots of disco. I found myself chuckling many times along the way, recalling how TV, movies, and music were really common culture back then. Sure this is violent. Sure it has characters that describe their own death and after death (shades of LINCOLN IN THE BARDO). The characters mostly aren’t nice, but the great storytelling makes up for it.

PayA Speck in the Sea by John Aldridge and Anthony SosinskiNarrator Name: Robert Fass

Rating the Audio Performance

5

Narrators really capture the drama of this amazing story of rescue of a commercial fisherman which rallied the whole community to find the washed overboard fisherman.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

5

Wonderful true story with a happy ending which we sorely need these days. I loved the never-give-up spirit it conveyed.

LauraThe Lying Game by Ruth WareNarrator Name: Imogen Church

Rating the Audio Performance

5

Imogen Church does a fine job with narration. Her characterization is excellent. Not only does she change the tone of a character, but there is change in accent as well.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

4

A suspenseful story of four boarding school friends who come together as adults after a body is found near their old school. A very good book.

Scotland Street neighbors have their own story to tell, yet have definite opinions about each other. Their attempts at working through relationships have a message for the reader, as well.

Francisca E BDeath on the Nile by Agatha ChristieNarrator Name: David Suchet

Rating the Audio Performance

5

David Suchet is perfect in his performance on the audio. He reads at the brisk pace a mystery requires, and seems to effortlessly handle the many different voices required for the large cast of characters. I could listen to him all day.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

3

Hercule Poirot may be on holiday in Egypt, but his “little grey cells” are working overtime. There are plenty of suspects and almost as many motives.

EveThe Nature of the Beast by Louise PennyNarrator Name: Robert Bathurst

Rating the Audio Performance

5

His first time narrating an Inspector Gamash book...well done.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

5

Louise Penny is always excellent. I love these characters from Three Pines.

Execellent at drawing you into the story and having distinctive differing voices for the two main characters of Meghan and Agatha. I was so entranced I switched between the text and the audio for when I was home and not driving.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

4

Very engrossing, dark, psychological thriller. Plot is somewhat predictable, but entertaining nonetheless, and I stayed with it because I wanted to see how the author had things turn out.

judithThe Family Next Door by Sally HepworthNarrator Name: Barrie Kreinik

Rating the Audio Performance

5

Barrie's voice added richness and depth to this story which, at times, could have fallen flat. I originally heard her voice in TWO-FAMILY HOUSE, and look forward to hearing it again in TANGERINE. I am very particular about storytellers: If the voice(s) do not match the tone of the story, I don't waste my time listening. Barrie's voice engaged the characters and story very well and kept me listening into the wee hours of the night, creating suspense when necessary, and humor where appropriate.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

5

Wow! One of the best that I've read in a long time! I've picked up and put down a lot of unfinished books in the past three years, and never having read Hepworth before, decided to take the plunge! I was neither swayed nor disillusioned by comparisons to other authors; I feel that Hepworth has gained standing in her own right (write?!) with strong yet imperfect characters, twisty motives, and clear writing styles. I enjoyed listening to this story while I walked to work from the train station, catching coworkers up every morning on Essie's dramas, Isabelle's mysterious presence, the neighbors' quizzical nosiness!

MikePop Goes the Weasel by James PattersonNarrator Name: Michael Kramer

Rating the Audio Performance

5

Michael Kramer was great at making all the different voices distinct and very much enhanced the listening experience. He elevated the material with great performances.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

4

This one had a lot more plot than the last book in the series (Cat & Mouse). I went 4 stars instead of 5 as I made a prediction about what was going to happen very early on and I was right on the money. I love being surprised. Now, having said that, it is a great story with a great villain, and I enjoyed it immensely.

Gracia Gillund did a wonderful job at keeping the story going, and was clever with all the many voices.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

5

I found RISK THE QUEEN packed full of fun for such a short story. This quick-talking, fast-moving 20's style P.I. story kept my interest from beginning to end. This is a fun and entertaining story that I will listen to again.

K.C.Educated: A Memoir by Tara WestoverNarrator Name: Julia Whelan

Rating the Audio Performance

5

Julia Whelan conducted a stellar narrating performance of this audiobook.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

5

Tara Westover was growing up in a Mormon household in rural Idaho, alongside her doomsday prepping parents and six siblings. She and her brothers and sister had never visited doctors, no matter how serious the injury or illness, always being treated by their mother's tincture, salves and energy healing. They had no formal education and often had to listen to their father's religious lectures on anti-establishment, the illuminati, and gentiles, until the day came when Tara decided to leave Buck's Peak and attend BYU, eventually going on to Cambridge and Harvard earning herself a PhD. This is her amazing testimony of perseverance, persistence, and willpower.

RachelAll the Light We Cannot See by Anthony DoerrNarrator Name: Zach Appelman

Rating the Audio Performance

5

The narrator smoothly carries us through an emotionally devastating story. We were with him every step of the way.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

5

The content of the book was intricate and fascinating. So many subjects covered in such detail. We followed Marie-Laure in France and Werner in Germany during WWII. When they finally meet the outcome is devastating.

PamThe Monuments Men by Robert M. Edsel and Bret WitterNarrator Name: Jeremy Davidson

Rating the Audio Performance

4

Clear, concise delivery of the book. Easy to understand and well-paced.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

3

It's a very interesting aspect of WWII, but there's too much information for one book. The story meanders as detailed background stories of various Monuments Men are interjected just as the action gets interesting. This interrupts the flow and dampens the excitement as the Men attempt to save/recover precious art during the war. The best parts are near the end as the author describes the incredible number of treasures that the Nazis hoarded and hid. The rescue of the art in the huge salt mine is fascinating. Unfortunately it takes a long, long time to get to the most interesting part of the book.

SharonHillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by J. D. VanceNarrator Name: J. D. Vance

Rating the Audio Performance

5

This book was wonderfully read by J.D. Vance. It was clear and easy to follow and full of the emotion of the author reading his own story.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

5

This was a very engaging, interesting story with personal commentary by the author relating to the problems of his culture.

There are several different audio versions. For my second listen, I managed to get the Blackstone Audio version narrated by Simon Vance. I liked this audio even better than the first one I listened to. But then, I would probably listen to Simon Vance read his grocery list.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

5

If you’ve seen any of the movies, you know the basic plot, but the original novel is so much more! To begin there is the typical Victorian theme of strong men coming to the rescue of a damsel in distress. However, Stoker turns the tables a bit when he gives Mina the intelligence, foresight and courage to fight the evil forces in her own way. The novel is wonderfully atmospheric; time and again Stoker puts the reader smack dab in the middle of the scenes.

I liked the narration very much. It was easy to follow characters by Ms. Denaker’s inflections and voice changes. I took off one star because I found that I needed to speed up the audio to 1.25. This helped the voice that was too drawn out without making the other voices seem rushed.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

5

This novel was a very good family character study for a recent immigrant Irish family to the Boson area. A death in the family brings to light secrets of the past to the next generation. This was a book club read for me and I think that the Catholic members of the gathering liked the book slightly better since they had more connection with the experience of growing up in the church. It was very well written, paced and narrated.

GerryMarina by Carlos Ruiz ZafónNarrator Name: Daniel Weyman

Rating the Audio Performance

5

I listened to Marina on audiobook via Hoopla, and found the reader's voice entrancing, and just perfect for this mysterious, almost mystical story of a young boy exploring Barcelona as an escape from his somewhat stuffy boarding school.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

4

Carlos Ruiz Zafón's books make me want to visit Barcelona. It sounds like an amazing old city!

Mr. Pinchot's French-accented English for the characters' dialogue added another luscious detail to an already rich, multi-layered story. His portrayals of both male and female characters was very subtle but distinctive. Avoiding to imbue some of the American characters with a fake, uncreative, and stereotypical Southern accent was appreciated by this Texan.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

5

My first Mark Helprin book. Luckily I have the gift of exploring many more. I loved the character of Jules Lacour, a Jewish musician and child of the Holocaust. His thoughts about love, life, and music will stay with me for a long time.

Richard N BIn the Woods by Tana FrenchNarrator Name: Steven Crossley

Rating the Audio Performance

5

Steven Crossley does an excellent performing the audiobook. His pacing is good and his skill as a voice artist clearly differentiated the characters.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

4

This is a stunning debut. Gripping and suspenseful, with many twists and turns. I guessed the culprit fairly early on, but was still enthralled by the psychology of the characters – whether police, victims or perpetrator.

Classic Offerman. He is the only person who could narrate his memoir. Hysterical!

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

5

Amazing storyteller and you can easily imagine all his escapades actually happening. What a laugh riot!

JanKillers of the Flower Moon by David GrannNarrator Name: Anne Marie Lee, Will Patton, and Danny Campbell

Rating the Audio Performance

5

Each narrator performed their role very well, although I did have to speed up the female narrator to x1.25.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

5

This book surpasses any fictional murder mystery – the fact that it’s true and took place in this country in the not-too-distant past makes it even more horrifying. Before reading this book, I knew little of the Osage Indians, their wealth, and the injustices done to them. It’s shameful that this wasn’t taught in American history classes. The horrifying crimes, the cover-ups, the bungled investigations, and, finally, the newly created FBI’s involvement makes for riveting reading.

JaniceThe Nordic Theory of Everything: In Search of a Better Life by Anu PartanenNarrator Name: Abby Craden

Rating the Audio Performance

5

Abby Craden has a very calming voice and reading style. Her timing is perfect.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

5

This is an important book comparing life in the Nordic countries (Finland, Norway, Iceland, Sweden) with life in the United States. The Finnish author who has become an American citizen explains how the healthcare systems, education and schools, social services, work and most importantly don't work in these countries. Partanen, a journalist, gives a balanced and fair accounting. This should be important reading for U.S. citizens and those in Congress. This book was written pre-Trump so probably should be updated with current happenings.

Jane Telegraph Days by Larry McMurtryNarrator Name: Annie Potts

Rating the Audio Performance

5

This is the first audiobook that I have listened to. Annie Potts is the perfect narrator.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

4

A good story for both my husband and me to listen to together on a long drive.

JoOutlander by Diana GabaldonNarrator Name: Davina Porter

Rating the Audio Performance

5

Ms. Porter has the ability to sound like females and males at any age. She is amazing. I've listened to the whole Outlander series on audio and Porter narrates them all. Each book is over 20 hours and when I listen I feel like I'm getting together with old friends - I know her voices so well.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

5

The Outlander series is everything you'd want in a book. The series goes on and on and maintains its momentum throughout. I love it!

Hillary Huber shines in her performance of the audiobook. She has the timing and tone to perfectly deliver this comedy of manners, and, as a skilled voice artist, she is able to differentiate the large cast of characters.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

3

3.5 stars. This is a charming re-telling of Jane Austen’s SENSE AND SENSIBILITY (my personal favorite Austen novel). I had great fun trying to match Schine’s characters with Austen’s, and trying to figure out how certain plot elements might play out. Despite my familiarity with the original, Schine surprised me more than once.

One of the best audiobook performances that I have listened to recently. Both voice artists did an amazing job to create their characters; both drew me in and made me cry at times, something that rarely happens while listening to an audio performance. Both narrators were excellent but Lorna Raver's performance was outstanding.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

5

While this road trip to an out-of-state funeral unfolds, 90-year-old Isabelle slowly confides secrets of her forbidden interracial relationship, which took place in the 1930s, to Dorrie, the younger black woman who has been doing her hair for ten years. Incredible that this book is the author's debut novel! Very moving and heartfelt. Highly recommend in print or audiobook.

Cristin Milioti was FANTASTIC! She made you feel as if you were watching a movie, as if you were there. You could feel the characters emotions through her narration and it made a real, lasting impression. She laughed and sighed and cried. All characters voices were distinguishable and flowed beautifully.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

5

THE PERFECT MOTHER had me ALL over the place. Biting my nails and looking over my shoulder and not trusting anyone! I thought I had it all figured out and wrapped up with a little neat bow, and the author ripped that bow off and stomped on it and flipped the script! Great book! I’m glad to see it doing so well as it is much deserved!! I look forward to more from this author!

Megan Sometimes I Lie by Alice FeeneyNarrator Name: Stephanie Racine

Rating the Audio Performance

5

Stephanie Racine was an excellent narrator. This was my first fiction audiobook, and I was worried I would not like it. But Stephanie was able to just slightly change her voice for the different characters so you always knew exactly who was talking. The story moved a quick pace, and her narration always kept me interested.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

5

Great story! At first I didn't know how I could only be halfway through when it seemed obvious what the mystery was, but in the last two discs in particular the story quickly changed and sped up.

There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with Alan Rickman's narration. He intones the women equally as well as the men. It is very sad that we won't hear more of his velvet voice.

Rating the Book's Content/Storyline

4

Another beautiful 19th-century novel, fraught with missed connections and misunderstood phrases and looks. But it's so beautifully done! There's a reason we are reading Hardy 150 years later. I'll ready more Hardy --- it's much more well done than some of the drivel that passes for books right now.

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Word of Mouth

Tell us about the books you’ve finished reading with your comments and a rating of 1 to 5 stars. During the contest period from November 16th to November 30th at noon ET, three lucky readers each will be randomly chosen to win a copy of TARGET: ALEX CROSS by James Patterson and WITNESS: Lessons from Elie Wiesel’s Classroom by Ariel Burger.

Sounding Off on Audio

Tell us about the audiobooks you’ve finished listening to with your comments and a rating of 1 to 5 stars for both the performance and the content. During the contest period from November 1st to December 3rd at noon ET, two lucky readers each will be randomly chosen to win the audio versions of Louise Penny's KINGDOM OF THE BLIND: A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel, read by Robert Bathurst, and Barbara Taylor Bradford's MASTER OF HIS FATE, read by Joan Walker.

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Books On Screen

November's Books on Screen roundup includes the feature filmsThe Girl in the Spider's Web, The Grinch and Boy Erased; the season four premiere of "Outlander" on Starz, along with the debut of two miniseries --- HBO's "My Brilliant Friend" and AMC's "The Little Drummer Girl" --- plus three Hallmark made-for-TV holiday movies, among them Pride and Prejudice and Mistletoe; and the DVD releases of Crazy Rich Asians, Bel Canto, The Children Act and Juliet, Naked.